The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is an innovative digital procurement platform introduced by the Government of India. It is designed to streamline the purchasing process for government departments, public sector units (PSUs), and other authorized buyers. The portal provides an open and transparent system where sellers can list their products and services, making it easier for them to engage in government procurement.
For new sellers, stepping into the GeM portal can be both exciting and challenging. Understanding how to register, list products, and secure orders requires a structured approach. This guide aims to provide a detailed roadmap for new sellers, helping them navigate the platform efficiently and leverage its full potential.
Understanding the GeM Portal
Before diving into the operational aspects, it’s important to understand the purpose and significance of the GeM portal. Launched by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, GeM is a one-stop procurement solution for government buyers. It offers a paperless, contactless, and cashless procurement system, making transactions secure and efficient.
For sellers, the GeM portal eliminates intermediaries, reduces marketing costs, and ensures timely payments. It opens doors for businesses, startups, MSMEs, and individual entrepreneurs to participate in government tenders and bulk orders.
Step-by-Step Guide for New Sellers on GeM
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Visit the GeM Website: Go to the official GeM registration portal.
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Enter Details: Fill in basic information like name, email, phone number, and date of birth.
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OTP Verification: Enter the OTP received via SMS or email.
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GeM Confirmation: A GeM representative will call to confirm your OTP.
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Complete Registration: After verification, your registration is complete.
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Get GeM ID: Receive your seller ID and login credentials via email.
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Set Up Profile: Log in, set up your profile, and list your products.
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Submit Caution Money: You’ll be notified to submit caution money.
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Select Product Listing: On the dashboard, click Product Listing to add new products or manage your existing ones.
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Choose Product Category: Pick the correct category for your product. This helps government buyers find your product easily.
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Start Selling: Your products are now visible to government buyers, and you can begin receiving orders.
Listing Products and Services on GeM
Once registered, sellers need to add their offerings to the portal. Here’s how:
A. Understanding Product Categories
The GeM portal has predefined product and service categories. Sellers must classify their products correctly to ensure visibility to relevant buyers.
B. Steps to List Products
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Log in to the Seller Dashboard.
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Click on “Add New Product” under the “Catalogue” section.
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Select the appropriate product category and subcategory.
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Provide detailed descriptions, images, and technical specifications.
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Set pricing, including GST and other charges.
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Specify warranty, delivery timelines, and return policies.
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Submit the listing for approval.
Once approved, the product will be available for government buyers to purchase.
C. Listing Services
For service providers (such as IT services, manpower supply, consultancy, etc.), GeM has a Service Listing section where sellers can:
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Define the scope of services
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Specify pricing models (hourly, per project, etc).
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Mention service locations and terms of engagement
Bidding and Order Management
After listing products/services, sellers can start participating in bidding and direct purchase processes.
A. Types of Procurement on GeM
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Direct Purchase: Buyers can directly buy products priced below ₹25,000 without bidding.
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L1 Purchase: For orders between ₹25,000 and ₹5 lakh, buyers compare the lowest-priced seller (L1) before purchasing.
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Bidding/Tendering: For high-value orders, sellers must participate in competitive bidding to win contracts.
B. How to Participate in Bidding
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Go to the “Bid/Tender” section on the GeM dashboard.
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Filter open bids based on product category and eligibility criteria.
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Download tender documents and read the requirements carefully.
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Submit a competitive bid along with the necessary documentation.
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Monitor bid status and respond to buyer queries.
Winning bids depend on competitive pricing, product quality, and compliance with bid specifications.
C. Managing Orders and Deliveries
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Upon receiving an order, confirm acceptance within the stipulated time.
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Ensure timely dispatch and delivery per the buyer’s requirements.
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Upload invoices and proof of delivery on the portal.
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Track payment status and follow up if necessary.
Enhancing Seller Performance on GeM
To succeed on GeM, sellers must focus on building credibility and improving their performance ratings. Here’s how:
A. Maintain Competitive Pricing
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Research market trends and set prices competitively.
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Offer volume discounts to attract bulk buyers.
B. Improve Product Quality and Listings
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Use clear images and detailed descriptions.
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Keep stock levels updated to avoid cancellations.
C. Ensure Timely Delivery and Good Customer Service
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Respond to buyer queries quickly.
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Deliver products within committed timelines.
D. Maintain Compliance with GeM Policies
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Adhere to GeM’s quality and pricing regulations.
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Renew certifications and registrations as needed.
Regularly reviewing buyer feedback and performance metrics can help sellers improve their rankings and gain more orders.
Suggested read- process of gem bidding.
Conclusion
The GeM Portal is a game-changer for businesses looking to enter the government procurement market. By offering a transparent, efficient, and digital selling experience, GeM empowers sellers to expand their reach and grow their business.
New sellers should focus on proper registration, strategic product listing, active participation in bids, and maintaining service excellence to maximize their success on the platform. By following this guide, sellers can seamlessly navigate the GeM portal and unlock new business opportunities in the government sector.
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